Tag: Kliff Kingsbury

Commanders’ Jahan Dotson says Jayden Daniels was the QB he wanted all along

Jahan Dotson thrilled Washington’s new direction.

“It’s been really good energy; really good vibes around the building.”

That has been a constant refrain heard in Ashburn, and receiver Jahan Dotson echoed the positive energy as the Commanders opened OTAs on Tuesday.

When asked about Jayden Daniels, Dotson replied, “I don’t know if I can say this, but that’s the quarterback I wanted. I was happy when we drafted him. I am really looking forward to building a relationship with him, furthering our relationship, as I have known him in the past.”

Dotson elaborated that he met and trained with Daniels in Arizona before he was drafted and before Daniels transferred to LSU.

As for the new offense being installed by offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, Dotson was quick to clarify that Kingsbury has made it simple to build the foundation right now.

As for the new coaching staff, Dotson expressed, “With new coaching staffs there’s always a lot of positive energy at first. Right now, I feel like the coaches are doing a great job with the morale of the team. Every day, they are making sure when we walk into the building, we walk in with a purpose.”

The former Penn State receiver drafted in the first round in 2022 declared that the energy of the coaching staff is contagious to the players. He thinks the players off the field will build relationships, but he also added that the reps on the practice field are always what a team needs to improve together.

Dotson openly admitted he was not a fan of his production last season. As a result, he said he started putting in the work in February and has set a high standard for himself for this upcoming season.

Commanders release quarterback Jake Fromm

The Commanders released QB Jake Fromm.

The Washington Commanders released quarterback Jake Fromm on Tuesday ahead of the team’s first OTAs.

Fromm initially signed with Washington’s practice squad on Oct. 18, 2022. He remained on the practice squad for the remainder of that season and, in January, signed a reserve/future contract.

Fromm acted as Washington’s third quarterback throughout last offseason and in training camp. Fromm had some impressive moments in preseason but was released as the Commanders chose to keep two quarterbacks. Washington quickly re-signed Fromm to the practice squad.

Fromm’s release wasn’t a surprise, given all of the Commanders’ changes. Washington has a new general manager (Adam Peters), head coach (Dan Quinn) and offensive coordinator (Kliff Kingsbury). Additionally, Sam Howell was traded and Jacoby Brissett departed via free agency, meaning the new regime was changing the entire quarterback room.

The Commanders signed veteran Marcus Mariota in March, followed by another veteran, Jeff Driskel. Washington’s big move was selecting former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall. After the draft, the Commanders added former Wake Forest and Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman as a priority free agent.

Fromm entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in the 2020 NFL draft. He was released during final cuts in 2021 and re-signed to Buffalo’s practice squad. The New York Giants signed Fromm off Buffalo’s practice squad, but he was later signed to the active roster and started two games.

Jayden Daniels excited to work with new OC Kliff Kingsbury in Washington

It’s hard not to be intrigued by the pairing of Jayden Daniels and Kliff Kingsbury.

When the Washington Commanders selected [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] with the second pick in the 2024 NFL draft, many were salivating at the prospect of the 2023 Heisman winner teaming up with Kliff Kingsbury, who was recently hired as the team’s offensive coordinator.

Kingsbury — previously a head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and at Texas Tech — spent the 2023 season as an offensive analyst at USC, but he’s back in the NFL this season.

And while he won’t be exactly importing his air raid offense to DC, Daniels recently said he’s excited about the prospect of working with Kingsbury, adding that his scheme is a good fit.

“It’s different from the air raid,” Daniels said, per On3’s Matthew Brune. We’re not going to throw the ball 50 times per game. Kliff is open minded. Having conversations with him about what I like and how we can make the offense better. I like his scheme, honestly. It suits me and we have to evolve with the times and keep a balance on offense with those athletes out there.”

Daniels was at his best at LSU when he was able to open things up with the offense spread out wide, and Kingsbury’s system in Washington should allow him to do more of the same at the next level.

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WATCH: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels in action on Day 2 of rookie minicamp

Jayden Daniels in action at rookie minicamp.

On Friday, Jayden Daniels made his first appearance in a Washington Commanders uniform on the first day of rookie minicamp. Daniels was sharp in 7-on-7 drills as he received instruction from offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

Daniels returned to the field Saturday for his second NFL practice, which was much of the same. Daniels was sharp, displaying excellent footwork, and the ball jumped out of his hand. Sure, he wasn’t facing a live pass rush, but Daniels’ mechanics — which many said were the best in the draft — looked outstanding.

This weekend was all about Daniels’ debut. Next week, the Commanders kick off Offseason Training Activities (OTAs). The team’s annual mandatory minicamp runs from June 11-13 after the conclusion of OTAs, which will likely be the next time fans get a glimpse of Daniels on the practice field.

Let’s see Daniels in action via some of the local media who were in attendance on Day 2 of Washington’s rookie minicamp.

Speaking of that footwork:

A new energy defined the first day of Commanders’ rookie minicamp

There was a lot of energy on the first day of Commanders’ rookie minicamp.

Friday kicked off a new era of Washington Commanders football. OK, that’s been said a lot in recent months, but for the first time under general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn, the 2024 rookie class hit the field.

Rookie minicamp began Friday in Ashburn, which meant the on-field debut of quarterback Jayden Daniels. The No. 2 overall pick was sharp during 7-on-7 drills, his mechanics looked flawless, and there was plenty of excitement surrounding Daniels.

“He’s a stud,” said third-round wide receiver Luke McCaffrey.

Second-round pick tight end Ben Sinnott offered his thoughts on Daniels.

“There are just guys who players naturally get attracted to and revolve around, and he’s got that personality where you want to work with him and want to watch film with him, and you want to be out here working with him,” Sinnott said.

There is always excitement when there is new — particularly when that new is a first-round quarterback. But the opening of Friday’s rookie minicamp showed just how far this franchise has come in such a short time.

Check this out:

This was before practice. Music was blaring, every player was involved, and the coaches were participating and fired up.

Is this something you would’ve seen under the previous regime?

Imagine what it’s going to look like when the veterans and the rookies are on the field together. In addition to the energy, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was extremely active on Friday, coaching Daniels and fellow quarterback Sam Hartman.

After years of false hope, primarily due to the former owner, Washington fans are excited: Excited about Daniels, Peters, Quinn and a coaching staff that can get the most out of its players.

Friday indeed began a new era for the Washington Commanders.

Jayden Daniels named as one of the ‘perfect fits’ of 2024 NFL draft

Jayden Daniels is a “perfect fit” for Kliff Kingsbury’s offense.

Over the last few months, when draft analysts and fans debated which quarterbacks would go early in the 2024 NFL draft, the focus was often on the Washington Commanders.

Why Washington? Everyone assumed — correctly — that the Bears would take USC quarterback Caleb Williams. Washington held the No. 2 overall pick, and the intrigue began there.

The debate was whether it would be Jayden Daniels (LSU), Drake Maye (North Carolina) or J.J. McCarthy (Michigan) for the Commanders. Many pointed out that Daniels would be a perfect fit for new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

The choice ended up being Daniels, and general manager Adam Peters said the Commanders had been set on him for a while.

Now that Daniels is a Commanders, former NFL player Bucky Brooks, who now works in the media with the NFL Network and Fox Sports, recently named eight players who were a perfect fit with their new teams.

Unsurprisingly, Daniels topped his list.

If Kliff Kingsbury follows the blueprint that helped Kyler Murray win 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Daniels could also walk away with some hardware at the end of the 2024 regular season. The 6-foot-4, 210-pounder is a playmaking machine with elite traits as a passer and runner. Daniels can carve up defenders with surgical precision from the pocket or create chaos on the perimeter as a dynamic scrambler with exceptional speed, quickness, and burst. After watching Kingsbury quickly build an offense around a similar athlete in Arizona that resulted in a QB1 producing 3,500-plus pass yards and 500-plus rush yards with 20-plus total touchdowns, Daniels could blow those numbers out of the water directing a fast-break offense that fully utilizes his skills a dual-threat playmaker.

It’s difficult to compare players, but other than being dynamic throwers and runners of the football, there are major differences between Kyler Murray and Daniels. Daniels is a more advanced passer than Murray was early in his NFL career, but Brooks’ point remains valid. Kingsbury could unlock Daniels’ elite ability as a dual threat with his scheme and play-calling.

Commanders WR Jahan Dotson feels like he was traded to a new team

Dotson talks all the positive changes, which makes it feel like he was traded to a new team.

The 2023 NFL season was one to forget for Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson. After catching 35 passes and leading the team with seven touchdowns as a rookie in 2022 despite missing five games, Dotson was expected to be one of the NFL’s breakout players in 2023.

It didn’t happen. Dotson played in every game for the Commanders yet finished with only 49 receptions for 518 yards and four touchdowns. It was a difficult season for every Washington player. While some would be concerned about Dotson’s regression, the Commanders are not.

Gone are Ron Rivera and Eric Bieniemy. Enter Adam Peters, Dan Quinn and Kliff Kingsbury. Bieniemy’s offense was a mess for much of last season. Dotson wasn’t perfect, as he dropped several passes, but the lack of separation, rhythm and a running game was brutal.

Several players were frustrated at the end of the season.

Kingsbury brings a new offense to Washington, one that has always been good for wide receivers. Dotson also has a new quarterback. The Commanders selected LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels second overall in last week’s NFL draft.

That’s who Dotson wanted all along.

“I’m really hyped, that’s the pick that I wanted, so I am happy we got him,” Dotson told Scott Abraham of ABC 7 in Washington. “I texted him right when he got drafted, and I said, ‘Congrats, man.’ He said, ‘Let’s get to work.’ It’s exciting……the fans should be really excited for this one.”

Dotson then spoke of Daniels’ game and the support system that the rookie passer inherits in Washington.

Finally, Dotson spoke on the frustrations from last season’s 4-13 team and how Quinn has rejuvenated everyone.

“I’ve only been a short two years, but I do feel it is completely different,” Dotson said. “This is funny to say, but I was talking to some of the guys in the locker room, and I said it almost feels like I got traded. It feels like I came into a better opportunity. I feel like the confidence is at an all-time high, not only for the team but myself included.”

That says it all. There are regime changes every year. But for Washington, this one is different. Not only do the Commanders finally have a real manager (Peters) and an energetic and accomplished coaching staff led by Quinn, but the entire vibe surrounding the team is different due to the change in ownership.

 

Watch highlights of new Commanders QB Jayden Daniels

Watch some of the best highlights from Jayden Daniels’ time at LSU.

No player in college football was more exciting than Jayden Daniels in 2023. Yes, that includes Caleb Williams. The LSU star was phenomenal, completing 72% of his passes for over 3,800 yards, with 40 touchdowns and only four interceptions.

Daniels was just as exciting on the ground, rushing for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns. It was enough to earn him the 2023 Heisman Trophy.

On Thursday, Daniels became the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft by the Washington Commanders. Daniels will start under center immediately for Washington in offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s offense.

There were some who believed that Daniels was the top overall player — ahead of Williams — in the 2024 class. Regardless, Washington believes it finally has the player to solve its seemingly endless quarterback problem.

What are the Commanders getting in Daniels? Let’s look at some of his college highlights.

Jayden Daniels and Kliff Kingsbury could build exciting offense in Washington

Jayden Daniels and Kliff Kingsbury could form one of the most exciting offenses in the NFL.

LSU’s [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] went to the Washington Commanders with the second pick in the 2024 NFL draft on Thursday night.

When Dan Quinn took the Commanders head coaching job earlier this year, he tabbed Kliff Kingsbury to run his offense. Kingsbury called plays for Johnny Manziel and Patrick Mahomes at the college level, which earned him the keys to an NFL franchise in Arizona.

It didn’t work out with the Cardinals, but Kingsbury has another chance in the league and the pairing with Daniels could make for one of the most exciting offenses in the NFL.

Projecting quarterbacks is hard, but Daniels’ legs and ability to protect the football offer a high floor.

Kingsbury has his faults and there are questions whether that offense can be consistent at the NFL level, but his Arizona offense in 2021 ranked fourth in yards per attempt. Daniels will be a rookie, but he’s played a lot of football. He’ll be ready to step in and operate this offense right away.

Between Mahomes, Manziel and Kyler Murray, Kingsbury is no stranger to playmaking quarterbacks. Daniels, who was the most explosive player in college football last year, fits that bill.

Holes remain in Washington. This isn’t a team ready to compete right away, but with Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson at wide receiver, Daniels will have a couple of playmakers on the outside.

Washington has been searching for a franchise quarterback since Kirk Cousins left. The offense has ranked outside the top 20 in points for six straight years. The franchise is putting its faith in Kingsbury and Daniels to turn that around.

The NFC East is tough and Daniels will be thrown into the fire right away, but the Commanders will be must-watch TV this fall with Daniels throwing passes and Kingsbury calling plays.

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Could analytics lead the Commanders to choose Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy?

In what world would the Commanders choose J.J. McCarthy at No. 2?

Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris has never shied away from the importance of analytics to his sports organizations. He proved that with the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Devils. In October, Harris made his first big hire with the Commanders, hiring Eugene Shen to serve as Washington’s senior vice president of football strategy.

Shen quickly made his impact felt, consulting on the trades of defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young for 2024 NFL draft compensation. The trades gave Washington a total of nine picks in the draft.

New general manager Adam Peters’ first big personnel move — no offense to free agency — is who he will select at quarterback?

Peters, himself a strong proponent of analytics, will likely decide between Jayden Daniels (LSU), Drake Maye (North Carolina) and J.J. McCarthy (Michigan) on Thursday night.

Most people believe the Commanders will choose Daniels — the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner. Others think the pick is Maye, who most think has the highest long-term ceiling.

What about McCarthy?

The national championship quarterback may have less buzz than Maye and Daniels for No. 2 overall, but some who know Peters believe he’s firmly in the mix.

And, according to a report from Jason La Canfora of The Washington Post, if Washington allows analytics to help make the decision on the No. 2 overall pick, two other NFL GMs think McCarthy may be the pick.

Two general managers told me they believe that if the Washington Commanders let the analytics guide them, McCarthy is their guess for the No. 2 pick. If the team’s coaches hold significant sway and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s voice resonates, then Daniels would be the selection. Both general managers also believe Daniels would love to be a Raider.

Two things here: How much of an impact will analytics play in the decision for the No. 2 pick? Secondly, how much sway will Kingsbury have?

One note on Kingsbury: does anyone know if Kingsbury would prefer Daniels over Maye?

The 2024 NFL draft begins on Thursday.